Striking shopping centres

It’s probably fair to say that when most people think of examples of interesting architecture in their area, there aren’t too many shopping centres on the list. Too often shopping centres are thrown up in
haste, the main priorities of the design team being to minimise costs and
maximise the number of shops squashed into a limited space. The result is that
spending a day in the majority of shopping centres tends to be a pretty
soulless experience. But of course, as with all architectural generalisations,
there are many exceptions to this rule; and these exceptions shine all the
brighter for their rarity. This ideabook brings together a collection of
shopping centres that have moved beyond eye-hurtingly bright strip lighting and
90s colour schemes in their design.

​Back to nature

Growing out of the ground and branching out to meet the
ceiling, the central pillar of this organically-influenced shopping centre is
like a plant or tree reaching up to the sun. This high level of natural
influence is welcome in an environment where sterility and utility can often
take over. Carrying the same colour throughout the space, to the other pillars
dotted around the area, enhances the effect.

As this image shows, the same branching pillars also work well on a smaller scale and a different shade. The bright red chosen here
creates an effective contrast with the very modern, very minimalist exposed
stonework behind.

​Cleanliness is next to godliness

This ultra white, ultra bright, ultra streamlined building
strips out all the clunky, ugly elements of the shopping centre experience. Its
giant skylight ensures the space within is flooded with sunlight at all times,
adding to the squeaky clean and spotless impression given off by the place as a
whole. Whether it’s the huge quantity of white used, or the lack of straight
lines, there is a futuristic quality here, too. Yes, it’s very sterile, but it’s
a carefully planned, completely intentional sterility rather than the accidental
sterility found in many shopping centres.

​Monkey business

Bikini Berlin

The giant window in the atrium of this shopping centre looks
out onto the baboon enclosure in Berlin zoo – so even if you can’t afford the
entry price you can still catch a free glimpse of some of the action by
wandering in on a lunch break. Scattered with cushions, the windowsill is the perfect
place to zone out with a coffee for half an hour in the company of some animal
companions.

​Out of the woods

Shopping Center Milaneo at Mailänder Platz

Another design that pays homage to nature, this structure
makes effective use of tree-like supports, flowing lines and ample greenery in
the quest to vanquish shopping centre banality. The central pool also
contributes to the outdoorsy theme, appearing like a natural pond or stream
within a wood.